Team on the Sea: Howard Prime – A Priceless Odyssey: Delivering Superyachts in Asia

In the tapestry of my experiences as a yacht broker, being part of the delivery crew is not common, but this past year, several sea escapades stood out.

Following the Singapore Yachting Festival in April, a notable journey unfolded as I facilitated the sale of the Sanlorenzo SX76, which was on display at the festival. With the new owner opting to dock the vessel at Ao Po Grand Marina in Phuket, an opportunity arose. The owner’s captain, short on crew, and being a current 200GT Master, I volunteered for the task of navigating the Sanlorenzo SX76 up the Malacca Straits to Phuket.

Commencing from Singapore, the yacht’s limited inventory needed to be equipped with the essentials: water, provisions, and fuel. We left Singapore on a Saturday at five in the morning and steamed towards our first stop at Admiral Marina, Port Dickson. Navigating through the Singapore Straits, with a multitude of ships at anchor, the journey unveiled the SX76’s prowess.

As a broker who often showcases yachts, spending extended time at sea on long passages is rare but invaluable. The Sanlorenzo SX76, with its innovative closed flybridge, offered a sense of grandeur beyond its class. The Volvo engines and IPS drive system operated with whisper-quiet precision, even on the main deck, creating an ambiance of serene speed.

Months later, another opportunity allowed me to embark on another 670 nautical mile delivery from Davao, Philippines to Sorong, West Papua in Indonesia. Passing many Indonesian islands, including the awe-inspiring Raja Ampat, we were greeted warmly by locals during shore visits, offering glimpses into their way of life.

As these memories echo in my thoughts, I eagerly anticipate sharing these tales at events and shows, inviting others to savor the enchanting experience of yachting in the heart of Asia.